Merseyside Police Helicopter Crew Cleared After Low-Altitude Pursuit of Suspect

Published: 20 August ‘2025, The English Chronicle Online

Merseyside police helicopter crew will face no disciplinary action after flying at a low altitude while pursuing a suspect on a motorbike, following an internal review by the National Police Air Service (NPAS). The incident, which occurred on 13 August near Carr Mill Dam in St Helens, was captured on video and widely shared on social media last week, prompting public discussion about aerial policing safety.

The footage showed a helicopter closely following a man on a scrambler bike, who was later detained for numerous alleged offences, including dangerous driving, driving a motor vehicle taken without the owner’s consent, driving while disqualified, failing to stop, and conspiring to intentionally or recklessly cause a public nuisance. A second suspect was also arrested for alleged vehicle theft and assisting an offender.

NPAS air crews are generally required to maintain a minimum altitude of 60 metres during routine patrols. However, they are authorised to descend when actively pursuing a vehicle or conducting surveillance in support of ground officers. Following an internal investigation, NPAS confirmed that the crew conducted a dynamic risk assessment and acted appropriately within operational regulations.

Ch Supt Fiona Gaffney, NPAS Chief Operating Officer, explained, “Our crew tracked the motorcyclist for over an hour, providing continuous updates to ground officers. This was a legitimate policing task in support of public safety and crime prevention. Once in a safe location, the crew recorded the decision to lower altitude with the intention of landing. As the motorcyclist continued to make off, the landing was discontinued and the aircraft accelerated before climbing away. This is an accepted takeoff manoeuvre.”

Gaffney added that vehicle pursuits are inherently fast-paced and unpredictable, requiring crews to make rapid decisions to maintain safety. She emphasised that NPAS has robust procedures to support decision-making in such high-risk situations.

A spokesperson for the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) stated that the authority is aware of the incident and will review the NPAS investigation and operational processes. While the matter remains under police scrutiny, the spokesperson highlighted that ensuring public safety remains a priority in any aerial pursuit.

The decision to take no action against the helicopter crew comes amid wider public debate over the balance between effective law enforcement and aviation safety, particularly as police increasingly rely on aerial units to support ground operations.

The English Chronicle Desk will continue to monitor developments regarding aerial policing practices and public safety protocols in the UK.